If you’re a Cannabis grower in the state of Oregon, you are required to follow certain guidelines in regards to the application of pesticides to guarantee the safe production of cannabis. Keep reading to gain information on pesticide regulations on cannabis crops in Oregon, the guidelines for proper use of pesticides for cannabis, and the appropriate cannabis pesticides to use.
What is the Regulatory Body Responsible for Cannabis Pesticides Laws in Oregon?
There are three state agencies responsible for cannabis regulation in Oregon: Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). The OHA set rules that dictate the safe levels of pesticides on cannabis in both the medical and retail markets and all cannabis intended to be sold must be tested according to these rules. However, cannabis growers are also subject to the overarching Oregon Pesticide Control Act which stipulates the legal levels of pesticides detectable for crops. The ODA is responsible for keeping a list of accepted cannabis pesticides. All cannabis pesticide products on the list meet the qualifications set forth by Oregon Pesticide Law, ORS 634.
What are the Guidelines for Cannabis Pesticides in Oregon?
There are no pesticide products specifically labeled for the production of cannabis, but there is a list of acceptable pesticides for cannabis provided by the ODA. All cannabis pesticide products on this list meet qualifications given by OR 634 which says that cannabis pesticides must be intended for food products, are exempt from tolerances, and are considered low risk by the ODA. Tolerances are limits of pesticides that are safe to be left on food according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. In other words, there are no tolerances for cannabis, or there is no level of pesticide deemed safe to be found on cannabis. Cannabis pesticides must also pass requirements set by the OHA. Cannabis items are sampled according to ORELAP sampling protocol and tested following two OAR protocols. Any lab that performs the test must be accredited by ORELAP and licensed by OLCC. Any cannabis product intended for retail sale and if they do not pass, they should be destroyed. Alternatively, if the test shows that only analytes piperonyl butoxide or pyrethrins are present, the ODA can determine if the cannabis pesticide products used were listed on the accepted cannabis pesticide product list and applied in accordance to the label. If so, the batch could still be usable.
How do you know if your Cannabis Pesticides Qualify?
It can be difficult to understand the correct pesticide to use for a cannabis crop, but the easiest way to ensure the cannabis pesticide is approved is to choose from the list of acceptable pesticides for cannabis provided by the ODA. If you feel a product meets the criteria set forth by ODA, contact the ODA Pesticide Program to set up a review of the products. Lastly, it’s important to use the approved cannabis pesticide in exact accordance with its label. Confirmation that the pesticide you’re using is the correct pesticide through the sampling and testing process run by OHA. Due to the sensitive nature of cannabis use for both medical and retail purposes, it’s imperative the pesticide used is safe and in accordance with Oregon state regulations. You can confirm your cannabis pesticide meets Oregon standards by contacting Chem Service, Inc. or ordering your Oregon cannabis testing mixture today. Chem Service provides certified reference material to accurately compare your cannabis pesticide against a standard. Learn more by contacting Chem Service, Inc. today!
